Sabo Silences His Critics With a Homer, 2 Doubles

BRADENTON, Fla. Tired of the comparisons and lofty expectations,Chris Sabo took a few hacks Thursday at McKechnie Field.

The White Sox' newly acquired designated hitter homered in hisfirst at-bat and went 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI in a13-3 romp over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

And then he swung away at the enormous burden of proof that he'sfacing after being hired to replace Julio Franco, who left the Sox toplay in Japan.

"If you're expecting Julio Franco numbers, well, I don't knowabout that," Sabo said. "But if I'm healthy, I'll hit 20-25 homersand drive in 80. Those are pretty good numbers for a guy who is5-10, 180 pounds. Not too many guys can do that."

And if he can avoid the back trouble that marred his last seasonwith the Baltimore Orioles, Sabo promises Thursday's performance wasno fluke.

"When I'm healthy, I've always done a good job," he said. "It'sas simple as that. I've hit home runs before. If I'm healthy, I'llhit."

BAD CHOICE? For those who wonder why the Texas Rangers couldsign catcher Mickey Tettleton to a one-year, $550,000 contract onWednesday - two days after the Sox signed Sabo for the identicalprice - here's general manager Ron Schueler's explanation:

"The money was a lot more when we talked to (Tettleton),"Schueler said. "And we were trying to stay away from thestrikeouts."

Last season, Sabo struck out once every 6.8 at-bats, whileTettleton whiffed once per every 3.5.

DEBUT: Reliever Rob Dibble allowed one run in his first inning of work Thursday, but pitched a perfect secondinning, displaying the control that the Sox are seeking.

"He's getting better," Schueler said. "When he gets out there,grunts and tries to throw the ball 100 miles per hour, the armstrength isn't there. But when he stays behind the ball and hismechanics are good, he's been great."

DAY OFF: Lamont used most of his regular players on Thursday,but didn't bring outfielders Tim Raines or Lance Johnson.

Johnson isn't ready yet, having reported to camp on Monday.And Lamont is taking his time with Raines, 35, who likely will playtoday.

KRUK UPDATE: Although Schueler insists John Kruk said he wasretiring, the former Phillies first baseman has yet to make anannouncement. And though Kruk might be indecisive, Schueler saidhe's done pursuing him.

"I don't know why he keeps fooling us," Schueler said. "He toldus he wanted no part of it. Something must have happened with thePhillies to make him bitter.

"(But) it's to the point now where he's too far out of shape.He can't catch up. I'd rather use the money on another pitcher if Ineed it," Schueler said.

Which means the White Sox skipper remains concerned aboutpitcher Wilson Alvarez's left shoulder.

Alvarez has been scratched as the starting pitcher on Sunday.

WEIGHT A MINUTE: Alvarez weighed in at 244 pounds, which isonly nine over his listed playing weight.

"It's just a matter of distribution," Schueler said. "Withrunning and stretching, that'll come off. (His arm) was finethrowing, and throwing long. But he's got to work hard the next 12days."